Bells

Christmas bells are associated with yuletide, the New Year and driving out the old spirits. A Christmas bell ringing brings the attention of those around to the act of celebration. Carols are sung and the season is celebrated by gathering together. The history of Christmas bells leads back to the fact that bells were used to announce events in pagan times and have been added to the Christian calendar for the same reason.

Christmas bells tradition came from using bells, a cheaper instrument when musical instruments were expensive, for the children to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. The pagan idea was to use the bells to scare away evil spirits, but the church changed that idea to suit their religious festivals.

When caroling, Christmas bells feature in many of the popular songs. Sleigh bells were used decorate sleighs and warn people of their approach in times of low visibility. They carry over distance and are a bright and happy sound. The mention of Christmas bells in carols, relates to the pagan ideas of using bells as decoration to keep evil spirits away, but again it has been adapted for Christian use, and become a symbol of celebration and good will.

Christmas bells come in all sizes. From the church bells ringing out to tell of the coming of the messiah, to tiny bells sewn on boots and belts to cheer the gloom away from long winter nights, Christmas bells have found their place. They are now a part of the Christmas season and no caroling session or decorated home would be complete without them.

Santa uses Christmas bells to decorate his sleigh too. Maybe he needs to find it during the dark hours of Christmas night, or in snow storms or bad weather he might encounter as he delivers presents to children all over the world. His use of the bells brings cheer and good will, while warning children of his approach.

Christmas bells for crafts are popular additions to Santa clause hats and belts and boots. They are used to decorate Santa’s helpers and even the Christmas tree itself. There are cat’s collars and dog collars decorated with Christmas bells that enable the pets to join in the celebrations. Children love Christmas bells used for craft ideas. Add them to any thing that moves and the children will be thrilled.

Christmas celebrations are synonymous with the sound of carols being sung and Christmas bells being rung. What a wonderful way to enjoy the festive season and welcome the new Christ child to the world.